In 1921 the fledgling club purchased an old boat factory from the city.  This gave the members a place to meet for the purpose of building and restoring their boats.  The first project was to move the building closer to the water so that the boats could be easily moved in and out of the boathouse on a hoist.

In 1932 six men filed Incorporation papers with the State of Wisconsin to officially begin the Appleton Yacht Club.  The Incorporation papers declared the purpose “….to promote and foster the spirit of boating, to guard and protect the interests of members who are owners of power boats, to inculcate among its members a knowledge of the rules of navigation and naval courtesy, to encourage and conduct races, cruises, club runs, water carnivals, and aquatic events for the entertainment of the citizens of Appleton and to encourage harmony and good fellowship among its members in every way possible.”

Historically its purpose has always been to promote the spirit of boating fellowship.

Located along the beautiful and historic Fox River it maintains over 70 slips in its gorgeous harbor basin.  The present clubhouse was built in 1976 and plans are currently being developed to extensively expand and update this facility as well as the harbor.

With the transition of the locks system to the State of Wisconsin, The Appleton Yacht Club anticipates again being the gateway between the Winnebago Basin and all other ports in the world!  The club's many social functions provide opportunities for members to interact and network personally as well as professionally. Our members and their guests come to enjoy the camaraderie in our full bar with grill and menu food items available 7 days a week served with the best view in the Fox River Valley.  Boating enthusiasts as well as the general public make up and are welcome to join our 300 plus membership, which is largely from the City of Appleton and the surrounding communities.